Bettiah: Rising waters of the Gandak river inundated several villages along the India-Nepal border in West Champaran on Saturday, forcing residents to flee their homes after more than 3 lakh cusecs of water was released from the Valmikinagar barrage. Around 3,000 people across four villages have been affected, with some taking shelter on higher ground and others evacuating by boat.Floodwaters entered Chakdahwa, Bin Toli, Jhandahwa Tola, Kanha Toli and Rohua Tola under Lakshmipur Rampurwa panchayat in Bagaha-II block, besides reaching Bhedihari Chowk. Several residents of Bin Toli took shelter in a hut on higher ground, while others evacuated to safer locations with the help of small boats.The flood situation remained critical on Saturday afternoon, with discharge from the Valmikinagar barrage increasing to 3,00,400 cusecs by 2 pm.All 36 gates of the Valmikinagar barrage have been opened. There was no emergency or maintenance closure, with the entire discharge being released downstream.The inflow from Nepal also remained high. At 1.15 pm, 4,42,800 cusecs of water was recorded at Devghat, with the trend marked as rising. Officials said the flow would reach the Valmikinagar barrage within a few hours, raising the possibility of a further increase in downstream discharge and additional flooding in low-lying areas.Residents urged the administration to arrange community kitchens and provide relief to those stranded by the flood.“After the water level of the Gandak river rose, our village has been inundated for the third time. This time, the water level is the highest. Around 3,000 people from the four villages have been affected. Floodwaters have also entered the SSB camps at Jhandahwa Tola and Rohua Tola. If the water rises further, it will reach Bhedihari village, which is located close to the forest,” said Bin Toli resident Basant Kumar.Bagaha SDM Chandni Kumari said arrangements were being made to provide food to people affected by the flooding.“A community kitchen is being arranged at Bhedihari High School for people in the flood-affected areas. We have visited the affected areas. Those who are still surrounded by floodwaters in the villages will also be moved to safer locations,” she said.
